Burning Bridges

The AJC is still reporting about the one that got away. Rafael Furcal's agents the Wasserman Media Group dumped us like a bad date, and now the Braves are not going to let it happen again.

Guru of deal making, John Schuerholz had this to say in the AJC:

Having been in this business for 40-some years, I’ve never seen anybody treated like that,” Schuerholz said. “The Atlanta Braves will no longer do business with that company — ever. I told [agent] Arn Tellem that we can’t trust them to be honest and forthright. I told him that in all my years, I’ve never seen any [agency] act in such a despicable manner.

“It was disgusting and unprofessional. We’re a proud organization, and we won’t allow ourselves to be treated that way. I advised Arn Tellem that whatever players he represents, just scratch us off the list. Take the name of the Atlanta Braves off their speed dial. They can deal with the other 29 clubs, and we’ll deal with the other hundred agents.”

Let just say those are fighting words. And some highlights from the Wasserman Media Group's response:

Statement from Arn Tellem of the Wasserman Media Group:

With regard to the negotiations between the Atlanta Braves and Rafael Furcal, the essential facts are clear and cannot be disputed.

1. There was never an agreement reached between Rafael Furcal and the Atlanta Braves.

2. In fact, the Braves were fully aware that Furcal was not prepared to make a decision but had requested an opportunity to sleep on it, before deciding.

...

5. Losing out on an all-star player like Furcal is always disappointing, and we understand the Braves’ frustration with the outcome of this negotiation, but it does not change in any way the fact that we conducted ourselves with integrity and complied with all rules of major league baseball throughout this process.

Now, I and everyone else had issues with one person or another. I am not saying that the braves and the Wasserman Group should find a room and hug and out. This kind of language and rhetoric is dangerous for long term business. So we won't deal with this agency, then will we trade for players they represent? Who does the Wasserman Group represent?

Well, Alexis Rios, Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Lee, Edison Volquez, Edwin Ecarnacion, Francisco Rodriguez, Frank Thomas, Geovany Soto, Hanley Ramirez, Hedeki Matsui, Jason Giambi, Jason Kendall, Chase Utley, Nomar Garciapara, Randy Wolf, Vincint Padilla, and most interesting of all Peter Moylan (and many others).

All those names, all those great players who we will never have a chance to see play in a braves uniform. What will happpen with moylan? Will you offer him a contract when he is a free agent? This has got to calm down. We can not excumincate an entire group of players because of their representation. It is a disservice to the organization, and most importantly it is a disservice to the fans.

If I were running things I wouldn't burn the whole bridge down. This is how I think it should play out:

WMG: Sorry about the Furcal thing.

Braves: Yeah, whatcha going to do. Some get away.

WMG: I know you still need pitchers, and the Wolfman is availble.

Braves: Oh yeah. Well how does 1 year 6 million sound.

WMG: I don't know, we were looking for more years and a little bit more cash.

Braves: Go screw yourself you selfish dirty bastards. How dare you offend us like this? You should be ashamed. Now acccept our offer or we'll kick you in the balls so many times that it will turn into soup.

WG: What?

Braves: 2 years 16 mil with incentives.

WG: Deal.